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Melissa Williamson Nelson, Business Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews

CounselatMcGuireWoods LLP

Jacksonville, FL

Practicing business in Jacksonville since 1998.

28+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
20 client reviews
1
Bar admission

Are you Melissa Williamson Nelson?

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Quick answer

Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Based in
Jacksonville, FL
Experience
over 28 years
Known for
Business · Criminal Defense · General
  • Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Jacksonville, FL.
  • Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Melissa Williamson Nelson: Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Melissa takes on

Melissa concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Melissa takes business matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Melissa takes criminal defense matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

General cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Melissa takes general matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Melissa takes litigation matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Melissa takes white collar matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Melissa Williamson Nelson — business lawyer in Jacksonville

Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.

Ms. Melissa Williamson Nelson is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, white collar defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Melissa practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Jacksonville, FL.

Melissa's approach to business cases

Ms. Melissa Williamson Nelson is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, white collar defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Melissa practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Jacksonville, FL.

The kind of cases Melissa takes

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Florida

    J.D. · 1997

  • University of Florida

    B.A. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1998 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Melissa has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Melissa Williamson Nelson's office in Jacksonville

Melissa's primary office is at Bank of America Twr., 50 N. Laura St., Ste. 3300, Jacksonville, FL, 32202-3661. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

McGuireWoods LLP

Bank of America Twr., 50 N. Laura St., Ste. 3300

Jacksonville, FL 32202-3661

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa Williamson Nelson — 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Melissa. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Jacksonville.

4.9

20 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa Williamson Nelson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Melissa Williamson Nelson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa

Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melissa Williamson Nelson

  • How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

    Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

    Melissa is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Melissa accepting new business clients right now?

    Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Melissa handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Melissa's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Jacksonville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.